Two Residents Honored By Mass College

As part of the 50th anniversary for Northern Essex Community College, influential members of the school's alumni, including two Windham residents, received awards for impacting other's lives.

Ralph Carrero and Dr. Edward DeSchuytner were recipients of the college's "Making a Difference" awards. 

Both had a presence at the college – Carrero as a student who graduated in 1979 and DeSchuytner as a professor starting in 1971.

Carrero currently serves as superintendent of the Lawrence Family Development Charter School and Education Fund, Inc.

DeSchuytner retired in 2003 as a biology professor at the school, but continues to teach there part-time.

NECC offered short descriptions of both Windham residents, and their qualifications for receiving the 50th anniversary awards.

Ralph Carrero

Carrero, who transferred to UMass Amherst after graduating from Northern Essex, was selected because of his contributions to education.
Under his leadership, the charter school has experienced great success, now serving 600 students in grades K-8 with 900 students on the waiting list.

In 1992 he was elected to the Lawrence School Committee, becoming the first Hispanic elected to a public office in Lawrence. He served on the school committee until December of 2001.

Carrero is vice president of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association.

Dr. Edward Deschuytner

Dr. Edward DeSchuytner joined Northern Essex’s Natural Sciences Department as a biology professor in 1971 and, although he retired in 2003, he continues to teach part time at the college.

DeSchuytner served in a number of administrative positions in addition to teaching including his role as associate dean for the Division of Business, Mathematics, Science, and Technology.

Dr. Paul Bevilacqua, vice president and dean emeritus of academic affairs emeritus, nominated DeSchuytner for the honor citing the numerous grants he brought to the college; his success in bringing diversity to the natural sciences department faculty in terms of gender, ethnic backgrounds, and teaching styles; and the relationships he built with community partners including area high schools

A former student, Dr. Philip Starks, who graduated from Harvard and Cornell and is now a biology professor at Tufts, also recommended DeSchuytner for the honor writing “Ed was my most challenging professor at NECC, and I loved his class because of this. Through his time, effort, and support, I developed a belief in myself that led me on my career path.”

According to NECC, over 150 nominations were received for the "Making a Difference" awards. A committee of college faculty and staff made recommendations to NECC President Lane Glenn.

“It was so inspiring to read the nominations we received,” said Glenn in a statement.  “I learned about graduates who are using the skills they received at Northern Essex to have a positive impact on the world; faculty and staff who have changed the lives of their students in positive ways, and generous community partners who have supported the college by their donations or volunteer efforts.”